For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,421 students in Salem, VA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Salem, VA are Fort Lewis Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School and Mason's Cove Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salem, VA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Virginia public pre school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 72% (versus the 66% statewide average). Pre schools in Salem have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Virginia public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public preschool average of 56% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Salem, VA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fort Lewis Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3115 West Main St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6594
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6594
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
South Salem Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1600 Carolyn Rd
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2478
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2478
Gr: PK-5 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Mason's Cove Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3370 Bradshaw Rd
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6530
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6530
Gr: PK-5 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
West Salem Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
520 N Bruffey St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2503
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2503
Gr: PK-5 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
East Salem Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1765 Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-7001
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-7001
Gr: PK-5 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #66.
Glenvar Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4507 Malus Dr
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6540
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-6540
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
G.w. Carver Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6 Fourth St
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2492
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 387-2492
Gr: PK-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Salem, Virginia Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Arnold R. Burton Technical Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
1760 Boulevard
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 857-5000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Salem, VA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Salem, VA include Fort Lewis Elementary School, South Salem Elementary School and Mason's Cove Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Salem?
7 public preschools are located in Salem.
What is the racial composition of students in Salem?
Salem public preschools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Virginia public preschools average of 56% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Salem are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Salem include: South Salem Elementary School vs. West Salem Elementary School, West Salem Elementary School vs. South Salem Elementary School, Fort Lewis Elementary School vs. Glenvar Elementary School
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